As the Christmas holiday draws near, the Queens community is brimming with jolly activities to look forward to this weekend. No matter the preference, these events range from Christmas productions and concerts to festive movie screenings and comedy shows, where there is something in store for everyone to have a memorable weekend.
Here is our weekend catalog:
Friday, Dec. 15
The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine, a Ukrainian dance group of 55 members, is back in North America to perform its annual production of “The Nutcracker” and is aiming to showcase the beauty of this Eastern European nation while its people are enduring displacement from war. (Queensborough Performing Arts Center, 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside. 8 to 10 p.m. Admission: $43 to $68)
Christmas Dinner Sketch Comedy Show
Running until Dec. 16, all are welcome at the Be Here Loft, an event space in Long Island City, for a night of comedic performances from talented stand-up comedians who want to bring the holiday spirit and joy to audiences. Following this, a Christmas dinner by Cooking with Corey will be served for an adventure with festive flavors. (Be Here Loft, 37-28 9th St., Long Island City. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Admission: $35)
Saturday, Dec. 16
83rd Winter Concert: QC Choral Society
Join the Queens College Choral Society for its winter concert that will present Margart Evan Bonds’ “The Ballad of the Brown King and Handel’s Coronation Anthems,” a cantata that uses the text of Langston Hughes to depict the tale and perspective of an African king, Balthazar. (Kupferberg Center for the Arts, Lefrak Concert Hall Venue, 153-49 Reeves Ave., Flushing. 8 to 9:45 p.m. Admission: $25 for general admission, $5 for students)
Cody Childs And His Trio Celebrating The Holidays With Jazz And Soul Music
Experience the 50s, 60s, and 70s soulful and jazzy music of Cody Childs and His Trio as they pay tribute to Nat King Cole, Roberta Flack, Johnny Hartman, Smokey Robinson, Burt Bacharach, Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder and many others who have made significant contributions to the music industry. (Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Admission: Free)
Sunday, Dec. 17
Christmas Movie Night: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Join the NYC Film and Movie Club for their December “Non-Christmas Christmas Movie Month,” where underrated Christmas films will be featured. This week will bring Wes Anderson’s comedy, “The Grand Budapest Hotel.” (The Rock Church, 57-02 Hoffman Dr., Elmhurst. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Admission: Free)
Watch this storytelling show where the performers, all over 40 years old, will be presenting their “old dog” stories that will show that there is no age requirement for good storytelling. Performers from RISK!, The Moth, Awkward Teenage Years and more will be present to showcase their talents, along with known actors and comedians. (Q.E.D., 27-16 23rd Ave., Astoria. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Admission: $12)
